2010 Golf TDI blog and observations

Hi Manuel, it could very well be emissions related. Perhaps the extremely lean idle that diesels usually do was leading to too much NOx.

 

I still shake my head when this topic comes up. My 1.6L idles at 0.35 gph, as bad as your 2.0 with AC on.

 

I could probably grab that with a VAG-COM, but I don't have the interface cable to do that. My idle consumption seems to go up by 0.2L/h with the A/C on, which is only about half the increase that yours does.

 

Really? I have one of those fancy transmissions that lets me idle in gear. I push in the clutch

These numbers are from idling in neutral.

 

My first encounter with the questionable VW service quality today. Had an appointment for a checkup at 7:30. Get here to give them my keys, I'm told the service guys don't get here until 8:00. So why can they make appointments for 7:30?? There was a software update released very recently that my car is also due for. I'll have to do some research to try to figure out what it does.

 

Hi Manuel, that seems to be exactly what Auto Haus does as well. I just wish I knew that in advance. I didn't bring my old car to the dealer so never had that experience until now.

There's very little info on the software update so far. It was released yesterday and may even be a recall. I believe it is related to the oxygen sensor. It seems the old software was a bit too sensitive and was throwing check engine lights in some cars.

 

It's taken me a while but I've finally started to come to terms with the fact that I won't get the same city fuel economy as with my old car. There just seems to be too much weight, power, and emissions controls in the way. But it impresses me on the highway. Loaded it up with 3 people and cargo and A/C on, it did better than my old car would in those conditions. That should hopefully only get better as it breaks in.

The novelty of a new car is starting to wear off. I'm starting to question why I went for a dark color. It's so hard to keep looking good and clean! The HVAC controls look fancier than my old Golf, but I miss the solid feel of the old ones, and the old ones were easier to use too. An ergonomic misstep that surprised me a little. The side mirrors are a little small. They would probably work well with the European glass (like Wayne had on the Euro Civic), but with the North American glass I don't feel like I get the full range of coverage that I like.

Interior is very nice and a big step up from the Mk5 Jetta. It's received a lot of compliments from people saying it feels like a class up from what's expected.

Still haven't found any local source for oil besides the dealer. Hoping I can find some at a Pep Boys in the US on my next trip down there.